Seeking a Federal Pell Grant, which does not have to be repaid, is a natural starting point for Hispanic students seeking financial aid. The amount of a Pell Grant is determined by your financial need, whether or not you are a part-time or full-time student, the amount of time you plan to attend college and costs associated with the college or university you are attending. You can receive a Pell Grant funds for up to 18 semesters. You apply for a Pell Grant through the financial aid office at your institution.
The Los Padres Foundation assists Hispanic students with grants for tuition. Hispanic students living in the northeast can apply for $2,000 through the foundation's College Tuition Assistance Program. Qualified students of Puerto Rican heritage can apply for one of the Foundation's two $5,000 Gilbert Rios Memorial Awards. See Resources for more information.
The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium is an umbrella organization that includes 32 individuals and nonprofit organizations that award in excess of $445,000 annually in scholarships to Hispanic students pursuing undergraduate programs. The amount of the scholarships run from a high of $5,000 to a low of $2,000; however, the scholarships can be renewed if you remain a full-time student carrying a 3.0 grade point average. Additionally, the consortium holds an annual summer convention for networking and professional development. See Resources for more information.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers several scholarship opportunities to Hispanic students. The Gates Millennium Scholars program provides 1,000 students annually with "good-through-graduation scholarships" to any college or university. Additionally, the Fund provides scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students, as well as students transferring from a community college to a four-year institution and scholarships to encourage prospective undergraduate students. After applying online, students submit their transcripts, a pair of letters of introduction and a Student Aid Report to complete the application. The Fund has traditionally supported students who are the first generation in their family to pursue college. Maintaining the scholarship requires carrying a minimum 3.0 grade point average. See Resources for more information.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) produces the National Directory of Scholarships, Internships, and Fellowships for Latino students that can be accessed online and lists scores of resources to aid Hispanic students achieve their higher educational goals (see Resources).